UPSA-NACOC study flags high youth drug use in Madina, Oyarifa areas

As Ghana joined the rest of the world to mark World Drug Day on June 26 under the theme, “World drug problem: Persisting issues, new challenges, innovative responses,” stakeholders renewed calls for stronger action to protect young people from the growing threat of substance abuse and illicit drug trafficking.

World Drug Day is observed annually to raise awareness of the dangers of drug abuse and illicit trafficking, and their effects on individuals, families, communities and national development. It also provides a platform for governments, institutions, development partners and communities to reflect on practical interventions to reduce the harm caused by drug use, particularly among young people.

Across the world, substance use continues to destroy lives, weaken families, disrupt education and threaten the future of many young people. Current global estimates indicate that about 400 million people live with substance use disorders, while approximately 2.6 million deaths annually are linked to psychoactive substances.

In Sub-Saharan Africa, substance use among adolescents and young adults remains a growing public health concern requiring urgent, evidence-based responses.

It was against this backdrop that the Research and Consultancy Centre (RCC) of the University of Professional Studies, Accra (UPSA), in collaboration with the Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC), presented findings from a baseline study on youth substance use in the La Nkwantanang-Madina Municipality.

The presentation formed part of activities marking this year’s World Drug Day. The event brought together key stakeholders and dignitaries, including the Director-General of NACOC, Brigadier General M.O. Mantey; the Minister for the Interior, Mohammed Muntaka Mubarak; the Minister for Education; Chief of Staff Julius Debrah; a representative of the UN Resident Coordinator; officials of NACOC; representatives of UPSA; development partners; community leaders; and other invited guests.

The research presentation was led by Dr. Adam Salifu from UPSA-RCC, supported by Dr Timothy Avordeh, Dr Samuel Arthur, and Dr. Andaratu A. Achuliwor. The Director of RCC, Professor Alexander Preko, was also present.

The baseline study focused on young people aged 15 to 35 years in five suburbs of the municipality: Madina, Teiman, West Adenta, Pantang and Oyarifa. A total of 1,039 valid responses were analysed.

The study revealed that 45.1 percent of respondents had used a substance for non-medical or recreational purposes at some point in their lives. Madina recorded the highest lifetime prevalence rate at 73.5 percent, while Pantang recorded the lowest at 30.5 percent.

Alcohol was the most commonly used substance, reported by 40.8 percent of respondents. Other substances included prescription medicines, cannabis, tobacco, shisha, tramadol, codeine-based products, inhalants and energy drinks mixed with other substances.

Substance use was not evenly distributed across the municipality. Madina emerged as the highest-risk area, with high prevalence rates, greater perceived access to substances and lower peer-refusal capacity. The report therefore recommended targeted interventions rather than broad, uniform approaches.

While awareness levels were high, 94.9 percent of respondents had heard about substance abuse and 77 percent had received sensitisation, only 6.6 percent reported exposure to NACOC campaigns.

Schools were identified as the strongest channel for sensitisation, followed by radio, television and social media. However, the study noted that out-of-school youth, unemployed young people and apprentices remain under-reached, despite being highly vulnerable.

Peer influence was identified as a major driver, with 42.9 per cent of users introduced to substances by friends. Other factors included stress, unemployment, curiosity, weak family support, availability of substances and social media influence.

The mean age of first use was 18.7 years, indicating the need for early prevention interventions targeting both in-school and out-of-school youth.

Relapse was also a major concern, with 84.5 percent of those who attempted to quit returning to substance use. Triggers included cravings, stress, peer pressure, family problems and lack of structured support.

Although Pantang Hospital is located within the municipality, very few young people accessed formal treatment or rehabilitation services, highlighting gaps in referral and recovery systems.

The study recommended that Madina be designated a priority intervention zone. It also called for expanded sensitisation, life-skills training, peer-refusal education, and stronger referral systems linking youth to Pantang Hospital and other support services.

Additional recommendations included targeted outreach to out-of-school youth, apprentices and unemployed young people through community platforms, vocational centres, markets and faith-based organisations, as well as stronger collaboration with traditional leaders, pharmacists and regulators.

The report concluded that youth substance use in the municipality should be treated not only as an awareness issue, but as a broader public health, education, employment and community safety challenge requiring coordinated, evidence-based action.